Every fall, Texas—like the rest of America—cranks out the latest edition of a hallowed tradition: the amazing month-long eat-a-thon known as the holiday season. The beauty of this ritual is that it never changes. Unfortunately, that’s also the bane of this ritual. We don’t know about you, but frankly, we’re getting a little bored. So we asked the chefs at five diverse and international Texas restaurants how they like to celebrate, and they each came up with a themed menu of festive recipes that will spice up your holidays. Some might even find their way into your own cherished traditions.
Collection
Feast Around the World
Photograph by Jody Horton
Peruvian Party
Feast Around the World: Peruvian Party
Austin chef Maribel Rivero, of Yuyo, creates a celebratory feast inspired by the highly acclaimed cuisine of Peru.
Recipe: Causa With Crabmeat Filling
This seafood side dish is a colorful component of chef Maribel Rivero’s “Peruvian Party” feast.
Recipe: Savory Roast Pork
Aji peppers give a South American kick to the main course in chef Maribel Rivero’s “Peruvian Party” feast.
Recipe: Jasmine Rice With Ripe Plantains
Grains get the tropical treatment in this side dish from chef Maribel Rivero’s “Peruvian Party” feast.
Recipe: Lúcuma Ice Cream and Alfajores With Dulce De Leche
Peru's favorite fruit shines in this delicious end to chef Maribel Rivero’s “Peruvian Party” feast.
Mediterranean Medley
Feast Around the World: Mediterranean Medley
Like he does each night at Sachet, Dallas chef Stephen Rogers celebrates the flavors of one of his favorite regions in the world with a meze-inspired meal.
Recipe: Muhammara With French Lentil and Piquillo Pepper Salad
In chef Stephen Rogers’s “Mediterranean Medley” feast, a favorite Middle Eastern spread serves as the base for a flavorful appetizer.
Recipe: Fall Vegetable Salad With Yogurt Dressing
Chef Stephen Rogers takes a holiday favorite, the sweet potato, and creates something completely different for his “Mediterranean Medley” feast.
Recipe: Tahini Mousse With Rye Tuiles
Chef Stephen Rogers ends his “Mediterranean Medley” feast on a sweet and comforting note, with a hint of sesame.
Recipe: Moroccan Slaw
In chef Stephen Rogers’s “Mediterranean Medley” feast, a pomegranate dressing brings this side dish together.
Recipe: Sweet and Tangy Wild Boar Ribs
The accessible main course in chef Stephen Rogers’s “Mediterranean Medley” feast sets the tone for a fun night with friends and family.
East Meets West
Feast Around the World: East Meets West
Inspired by her mother-in-law, Fort Worth chef Denise Shavandy, of Café Modern, draws on Eastern Mediterranean influences for her sophisticated dinner.
Recipe: Oysters on the Half Shell With Asian Mignonette
Chef Denise Shavandy kicks off her “East Meets West” feast on an exotic note with this appetizer.
Recipe: Saffron Couscous Beet Salad
For one of her two "East Meets West" vegetable side dishes, chef Denise Shavandy uses za'atar vinaigrette to add extra flavor.
Recipe: Chocolate Affogato
Cap off chef Denise Shavandy’s “East Meets West” feast with this decadent treat that brings together mousse, sorbet, and espresso.
Recipe: Minted Zucchini Bulgur Pilaf
Crumbled goat-milk feta adds a nice final touch to this side dish in chef Denise Shavandy’s “East Meets West” feast.
Recipe: Sumac-Crusted Rack of Lamb With Sour-Cherry Sauce
Chef Denise Shavandy designs her “East Meets West” feast around a beautiful main course with a Middle Eastern influence.
Hunting and Gathering
Feast Around the World: Hunting and Gathering
Chef Steve McHugh, of San Antonio’s Cured, creates a through line from Wisconsin to Louisiana to Texas with a meal built around roast duck, grapefruit, and chile pequins.
Recipe: Vanilla Roast Duck With Pecan Cornbread Dressing
San Antonio chef Steve McHugh nods to his boyhood hunts with roast duck, the centerpiece of his ”Hunting and Gathering” feast.
Recipe: Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Rio Star grapefruit shines in this simple yet bright side dish in chef Steve McHugh’s ”Hunting and Gathering” feast.
Recipe: Mesquite-Flour Tres Leches Cake With Cherry Compote
Chef Steve McHugh finishes off his “Hunting and Gathering” feast with this classic Mexican treat, taken up a notch with mesquite and cherries.
Recipe: Grapefruit and Chile Pequin Jelly
In chef Steve McHugh’s “Hunting and Gathering” feast, the roast duck gets a Texas touch with this unexpected accompaniment.
Tandoori and Beyond
Feast Around the World: Tandoori and Beyond
Chef Kiran Verma, of Kiran's, started a Houston Thanksgiving tradition years ago for many customers with her tandoori turkey and Indian trimmings.
Recipe: Basmati Rice Pulao With Apricots and Toasted Cashews
Fruits and nuts add seasonal crunch to the grain side dish in chef Kiran Verma’s “Tandoori and Beyond” feast.
Recipe: Cranberry Chutney
Chef Kiran Verma serves up her own version of cranberry sauce as part of her “Tandoori and Beyond” feast.
Recipe: Tandoori Turkey in Spiced Yogurt
The turkey that's become a Houston holiday tradition at Kiran's is the focal point of chef Kiran Verma’s “Tandoori and Beyond” feast.
Recipe: Carrot Pudding (Gajar Halwa) With Paneer and Pistachios
Chef Kiran Verma’s “Tandoori and Beyond” feast proves that sweet potatoes aren't the only root vegetables that make for comforting fall desserts.
